Internet speeds are set to improve for millions as part of a major push by ministers to roll out super fast 5G mobile phone coverage across the UK.
Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, will unveil a new 5G strategy on Budget day - setting out steps for the UK to become a world leader in the next wave of mobile technology.
The plans are part of a £1billion investment in research and development in the UK to “Brexit proof Britain” after the country has left the European Union in two years' time.
The Chancellor said he would take a cautious approach to spending in Wednesday's Budget to ensure UK has “got enough in the tank” to get out of EU.
However he hinted there would be more than £1billion for social care, along with an extra £300million for pubs and shops hit by a controversial hike in business rates.
This fuelled speculation in Westminster that Mr Hammond will have to raise taxes indirectly in order to balance his Budget, perhaps by increasing National Insurance Contributions for the self-employed
The 5G strategy will explore how to commercial options to improve mobile coverage on roads and rail across the country which are notorious for mobile blackspots.
So-called 5G mobile phone technology is still in its infancy but at speeds of 20 gigabits per second, it is 200 times faster and has 1,000 times more data capacity than conventional networks.
Mr Hammond will pledge £16million will be given to universities to trial and demonstrate the new technology and a new centre of 5G expertise in Government to drive forward this work.
Officials said 5G could help improve public services, such as allowing doctors to discharge elderly people early from hospital and monitor them from home to free up NHS beds.
This would help “to reduce pressures on primary care and A&E” and remotely monitor the health of people prone to heart attacks.
More than £500million will be spent on helping universities “to boost mankind’s ability to operate in the most extreme and hazardous environments, developing cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robots for off-shore and nuclear energy, space and deep mining”.
The cash – which was first earmarked at last November’s Autumn statement - will also be spent on more fibre broadband connections to homes and developing new batteries that can drive petrol-less cars.